Italy's Fabio Lopez replaces Lodewijk de Kruif as Bangladesh football coach

Lopez's appointment confirms the exit of Dutchman Lodewijk de Kruif whose contract was not renewed.

BFF said Lopez was on a four-month contract but did not mention the date when his tenure would end in January.

"We are going to appoint an Italian as head coach, an assistant and a fitness coach for the next four months," said BFF Vice President Tabith Awal.

"Bangladeshi coach Saiful Bari Titu and goalkeeping coach Christian Schwichler will remain with the coaching staff that will comprise five persons."

Costantino Zuccarini was named Lopez's deputy while Angelo Pavia is the new fitness coach.

The 42-year old Italian coached at Italian domestic team AS Roma's youth academy. His journey as head coach began at Lithuania professional club FK Banga Gargždai in the season 2007-08.

Following his success at the club, Lopez was hired by another Lithuanian club FK Šiauliai where he spent a successful tenure. He later took responsibilities of clubs in Malaysia and Maldives.
Lopez, who was a goalkeeper in his playing career, was delighted to become the Bangladesh coach.

He said he was keen to give his best to present Bangladesh in front of the world. Kruif's was appointed Bangladesh coach in January 2013. In these two years he came under spotlight several times for issues concerning outstanding salary, complaints about staff, abruptly leaving for home country. Recently his relationship with BFF deteriorated further after he was penalised for misbehaving with the referee during a World Cup qualifier match.  "I wanted to take Bangladesh football to a [respectable] level. But unfortunately, I could not. My relationship with BFF has ended," Kruif said before his departure. The Dutchman was unwilling to measure success or failure during departure but said his best wishes would always be for Bangladesh football.